Breast Feeding Tips

Supply And Demand

Demand is MILK REMOVAL not just suckling or time at the breast! The more milk is removed from the breast, the more milk will be produced!

3 Components of Demand:

Audible signals/cues (crying/fussing) Physical/structural signals (latch, tongue, or lip ties)

The ability for the system to work well and for baby to finish feeds (not stopping before they are satisfied)

The best way to maintain a good supply (barring any other problems with supply) is to respond to your baby’s cues and signals as soon as you can and feed your baby on demand.

Is my Baby Nibbling or Drinking

• The Baby’s mouth is moving quickly.
• The jaw moves up and down consistently with no pause in the downward motion.
• Looks like when a baby sucks on a soother.

Drinking (receiving and swallowing milk):

When your baby is drinking there is a pause in the downward motion of the baby’s jaw followed by swallowing sounds.

Lots of nibbling could mean slow milk flow. Try switching sides or use gentle compressions to increase flow.

Is your Baby Finish?

• falling asleep at the breast but not staying asleep once-off
• rooting/sucking hands after feeds
• baby won’t settle, or requires a tight swaddle to “turn off”
• baby won’t sleep for a decent interval between feeds
• fussing at the breast, and eventually breast refusal.

These can also be symptoms of other issues and are often related to feeding. If you are worried or have questions, get in contact with your Dr or an IBCLC.

Is my baby getting enough?

One of the best ways to know if your baby is getting enough breast milk is to pay attention to their diaper outputs.

• Day 1: 1+ wet and 1 thick black BM
• Day 2: 2+ wet and 1 thick black BM
• Day 3: 3+ wet and 1+ runny, light brown, green, or yellow BM
• Day 4: 4+ wet and 1+ runny, light brown, green, or yellow BM
• Day 5: 5+ wet and 1+ runny, mustard yellow BM
• Day 6: 6+ wet and 1+ runny, mustard yellow BM
• Day 7: 6+ wet and 1+ runny, mustard yellow BM

Pain is NOT a normal part of breastfeeding!

Pain is often an indicator of a poor latch or other problem. Reach out to your Dr or local IBCLC to help resolve the issue!